Which do you like better? 3D backgrounds or hand drawn?

Tanako 2020-09-24 21:45:18 UTC #21

thank you so much that helps. to be honest with you? does it really matter what people think? because at the end of the day, I'd rather take an artist who is able to produce work faster by using other techniques to get the work done by spending endless of hours just creating one scene. we are in a generation where people nearly spend time admiring your work. you have a really good art and I can tell you have remained over time and you do a good job. so yea, use whatever you like as long as its faster and gets the job done. and your #3D models that you modified looks very good. its not obvious like some comics I've seen on webtoons and Mangatoon.

PaulDevers 2020-09-24 23:59:05 UTC #22

Deeefinitely 2D from me, chief!

rajillustration 2020-09-25 00:56:08 UTC #23

I honestly think it's fine. the only one that kinda stuck out as the odd one out was the farm house lookin one--and that's because it has so many details. Another thing, is to maybe render not quite so often in 3 pt perspective when you have a wide landscape, because it's rendering outside of the cone of vision, you get some buildings that look like they're tipping a bit over on that last one (so I render in 2 pt when it's a building usually, unless I really need to look up or down).

But honestly, I know how long it take to set 3d up, and it does take a good amount of time. I still consider it quality when I see it. The only problem is if I recognize a 3d element that I use myself. But, since I don't use sketch-up, I'm totally fine with it.

JeanGuillet 2020-09-25 01:53:26 UTC #24

Sarrowsmith I like your 3d backgrounds! The models look good and the perspective is spot on, the only thing that is missing is that they're too dark. This happens with rendering programs I don't know why, but you should think about adding a curves layer over your 3d rendered backgrounds to brighten them, especially for night scenes. I had the same problem for a long time. Always go lighter than you think. I use 3d backgrounds and 2d painted characters as well. They're tough to color match, but it's worth it for me.

sarrowsmith10 2020-09-25 02:52:26 UTC #25

Thank you for your compliments! I know my night scenes are dark. It's actually not my 3D program at all, but my monitor which I just cannot figure out how to adjust. Its just super super bright, and its hard to tell how dark/light things should be. It messes with my colors too, makes my printed stuff all funny. Its an ongoing struggle.

simplykit 2020-09-25 03:12:16 UTC #26

i dont know 3d backgrounds yet so i have to draw mine

Phantomlight 2020-09-25 03:25:16 UTC #27

These are stunning, I want to cry T^T

simplykit 2020-09-25 03:27:00 UTC #28

@Phantomlight - thanks dude! that means a lot

Phantomlight 2020-09-25 03:32:40 UTC #29

@sarrowsmith10 Gosh, they both look breathtaking. I think like others have mentioned the hand drawn backgrounds do make the work look more cohesive, but you incorporate the 3D backgrounds pretty well that I don't really mind them not being hand drawn. And in response to your comment:

This is why my art teacher wanted us to start with drawing/painting organic still life like fruits and such because although nature can make some geometric and symmetrical forms, it's not perfect and we were allowed a bit of wonkiness xD So I feel ya, it's difficult, a good challenge, but time consuming for sure.

Legendofgenii 2020-09-25 08:47:47 UTC #30

Haha! I am seeing them in my dreams! UGH!

And even though I'm complaining - in my next episode I have a panel that's literally just a tree.

disqette 2020-09-25 15:31:39 UTC #31

I prefer painted backgrounds over 3D or drawn, but uh... that's like... NOT REALISTIC

So I just apply a painterly filter over my 3D renders and paint over them a little bit where it matters lmao. Also, +1 with what JeanGuillet said about tone curves. If you're using 3D renders, you better get reeeeaaaal friendly with tone curves and gradient maps.

I'm still learning how to use the tone curve effectively, hopefully I'll master it one day

These are some of my recent 3D rendered backgrounds. Tone curves, gradient maps, and also a bit of paint. Drawing white lines on harsh edges and lowering the opacity to match is the best thing you can do to make the 3D less harsh. I also recommend against using realistic textures on models. Just smudge out detailed textures in the painting phase if it can't be avoided.

Edit: If anyone wants a good tutorial on learning tone curves specifically for backgrounds, this tutorial is AMAZING. This artist specializes in more anime/Studio Ghibli style, but even if that's not your thing, this is still a must read. https://www.mclelun.com/2019/04/colour-grading-using-curves-and-levels.html

sushy00 2020-09-25 15:44:56 UTC #32

I prefer hand-drawn backgrounds.

sarrowsmith10 2020-09-25 15:49:08 UTC #33

wo. what a fantastic tutorial!!! thank you!

JeanGuillet 2020-09-25 16:40:46 UTC #34

The struggle is real! I went through that for years. Probably still to some extent. They make this calibration device that you can put over the monitor to fix it but they're too expensive for me. Photographers constantly struggle with this so I've found that photography blogs can have some good tips. Theres also monitor calibration sites like http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/ which can help a little. I'm so happy to see someone doing 3d backgrounds in a 2d comic, I think there are so many possibilities in that field to still explore and discover!

Shanny8 2020-09-25 18:25:31 UTC #35

Pretty much the same. I'll use 3-D modeling to set up a scene, but render over the set up so that it matches my art.

sarrowsmith10 2020-09-26 00:15:58 UTC #36

Oh excellent, I'm going to check that out. My monitor drives me absolutely nuts!! There isn't like any buttons on my monitor to adjust it manually either. It's so weird, they are brand new monitors too. Anyways, thank you!!

nathanKmcwilliams 2020-09-26 00:55:47 UTC #37

I don't have a problem with artists using 3D BGs. I think the ones you are using look great.

I'd personally like to be able to use 3D for that kind of thing. Only problem is my style looks bad when mixed with 3D, and I have zero skills with composing sets. And I'm still weak on drawing architecture sooooo...I'm stuck with having to learn all of it hand drawn and just practicing until I'm where I want to be. Long way to go.

SopaWalker 2020-09-26 01:00:11 UTC #38

Hand-drawn definitely forever

azzy-m 2020-09-26 04:36:17 UTC #39

Depends on the way artists use the 3D BGs in their background. Sometimes you get comics where the 3D backgrounds were drawn or edited in such a way that it works with the art style of the comic (Like in I Love Yoo, iirc), and then in others the 3D backgrounds were just slapped on to the layer below all of art and the artist just called it a day, often making the backgrounds stick out waaay more than the characters (the best example I can think of when it comes to this is Let's Play on Webtoon, christ)

RyzaCobalion 2020-09-26 04:50:59 UTC #40

After looking and compare the hand drawn scenes to the 3D background they still look pretty damn good. I believe it's mostly up to preference by the artists and the audiences. And you 3D background look amazing. i have seen other artist use 3D backgrounds or even 3D settings just to save some time and effort and they manage to do it where only eagled eye viewers will only notice the difference. So you do you.